Scania Denies Manipulation of VIN Numbers in Fire Engine Deal

Bratislava, 10 September (TASR) - Vehicles supplied to the Firefighter and Rescue Corps (HaZZ) were manufactured and delivered with new chassis and in accordance with the terms of the public procurement process, Scania Slovakia declared in its press release on Thursday regarding the procurement of fire engines currently investigated by police. The company has also rejected claims of any manipulation of the VIN numbers of vehicles it supplied. Scania Slovakia said it had supplied HaZZ exclusively with new vehicles manufactured at its plant in Laxa, Sweden. According to the company, the vehicles marketed as Scania P460 were manufactured and delivered fully in accordance with the terms of the public procurement process and the framework contractual documentation. It also noted that the P460 designation refers to the cab and engine power, rather than information about the age or condition of the vehicle. The company also rejected claims of any manipulation of the VIN numbers of the vehicles supplied. It said it was not required to include the year of manufacture directly in the VIN and does not do so. The year of manufacture of the vehicles supplied can, however, be verified through standard documentation, particularly the certificates of conformity and manufacturing documentation. Scania Slovakia said it was prepared to provide full cooperation to law enforcement authorities and all other relevant institutions. Police are investigating a €46 million state contract for the purchase of fire engines. On Monday, 7 September, one of the new vehicles was seized and sealed. The Police Corps said it was carrying out the necessary measures with respect to the procurement of fire engines to properly investigate all circumstances and facts related to the case. HaZZ said it has provided full cooperation from the outset in relation to the seizure of the fire engine and was doing everything possible to help clarify all the circumstances. The Interior Ministry, which procured the fire engines, said in response to the police action that it was aware of the opening of criminal proceedings over the purchase, delivery and commissioning of the firefighting equipment, providing full cooperation to law enforcement authorities. The ministry noted that the contract had been reviewed by the Public Procurement Authority, including because funding for the purchase had come from EU funds. mf